Thingamajig: Baby Rectal Thermometer

I love this tiny rectal thermometer for our Nigerian Goatlings!


It is defiantly a lot safer then a regular sized thermometer. And please, NEVER EVER use a glass mercury thermometer on your critters! 

I like the small probe tip and the large display with back-lighting, which makes it quick and easy to read so I can get this act over with as soon as possible for both our sakes; the goat's and mine.   I made certain I got one that beeps when the reading is complete as well.

Follow Up Report: The Bleating Dwarf Tavern

As you can see... Shiva thinks that the hay feeder is working great. All four of our Nigerian Dwarfs can feed at the same time. There are a few changes we had to make  since building it to improve the design, which are:

• Lowered the roof line with a little less pitch to keep the heavier rains we've been getting off the hay. Thought we would also make the roof bigger, about a foot out in each direction.
• When they feed on it, they get it spinning sometimes and end up unscrewing the eye hook at the top in which the feeder is hanging from.  To prevent that, the eye hook had to be replaced with a longer one and a locking bolt on top.
• We painted the hanging feeder... it was blue. I should have sanded it really good and used a plastic primer first. The paint gets scrapped off pretty easily. Once the goats have most of it worn off, I'll repaint it with better techniques.

The Trails and Tribulations of Horned Goats

There has many differing opinions as there are many a great debates on whether or not one should have horned or disbudded goats.  A good read on Horned vs Not Horned can be found on Fias Co Farm's website at the following link:

http://fiascofarm.com/goats/disbudding.htm

Dyson, our wether, came to us at three weeks old, with horns. At the time, he probably could have still been disbudded, but he was very sick and I did not want to add to his stress with the procedure. He's a very calm little fellow and we've really had no problem with his horns up until we brought Aurora home. Suddenly he was headbutting and side ramming her like crazy. After a week he mostly settled down except when it came to grain and hay time, then it was right back to showing he was boss. It alarmed me, but not until he started hooking under her stomach and lifting her up with his horns... That's when I knew we had to do something about them before he ended up gorging her and possibility killing her.

Many fellow goat shepherds gave us a lot of different advise on how to take care of his horns.  I refused the idea of surgery immediately... not worth the risk of the possible side effect. Banding his horns was out of the question too... Sometimes they grow back and when they do, they be malformed scurs.  Putting tennis balls and pool noodles were our best options, but even with the smallest tennis balls, they almost cover his whole horn and I don't want to mess up his temp regulating. I have a tub of spare parts... I need to find a goat rescue place to donate too. There had to be something out there, because I really did not want to have to give up Dyson to keep the other goats safe.

Anyway, what finally worked was the form insulators that you buy at Lowes and the like for those small copper pipes on water heaters. Just the right size to leave most of Dyson's horns exposed without too much duct tape.

Completed: The Bleating Dwarf Tavern

Our Nigerian Dwarf... hopefully safe.... hay feeder.

Progress: Bleating Dwarf Tavern

More Progress on the Bleating Dwarf Tavern as of 4 pm today. 

Waiting for the paint to dry to add the roof.

Project: A safe Nigerian Dwarf Goat Hay Feeder

It's second step to becoming a reality!!!

 Progress on the feeder by the end of day.
I've decided to name it 'Bleating Dwarf Tavern'

Our Menagerie's Newest Member... Khloe

____________

Nickname: Khloe

Nigerian Dwarf Doe

DOB 04/07/2013

Sire: 
Dam: Parham Farms DT Fudge BonBon

AGS, ADGA, NDGA Registered Nigerian Dwarf

Khloe's Dam

Parham Farms DT Fudge BonBon

Sire:  Agape Oaks GHIR Dark Truffle *S
SS: TX Twin Creeks PKM Ghiradelli *S +B
SD: Agape Oaks Burn Ban 2*M *D AR

Dam: Agape Oaks HF Urchin’s Urchin
DS: Flat Rocks Fire Cracker +S +B
DD: Flat Rocks Urchin 2*M AR

Kidding History:
2013 - Twins: 1 Buck, 1 Doe

 Khloe's Sire

 Jagged Rocks DM Thor

Sire:  Parham Farms GG Desert Moon *S
SS: Agape Oaks FC Gift of Grace *S *B
SD: Agape Oaks CK Pizazz *M *D

Dam: Agape Oaks GL Replica 2*M *D  
DS: Flat Rocks Gem’s Legacy +B
DD: Flat Rocks Mica *M *D

New Project: A safe Nigerian Dwarf Goat Hay Feeder

We had a four hour round trip road adventure yesterday, just to pick this up and a bag of Stall Dry. This is the start of our safe Nigerian Dwarf hay feeder. I bet you wont even recognize it when we're finished!

Why we Choose Nigerian Dwarfs

Dyson's 10 Week Check Up

Dyson had his 10 week check this morning at the Vets... Had two people think he was a dog at first and ask me his breed. The vet was amazed at how tame and quiet he was/is. Loved her!  He weighs a whole 14 pounds. He is worm/parasite free and he is now up to date on all his vaccinations. Because our tribe/herd is so small we only have to worm them once every six months. He had to have a Tetanus for his castration. Supposedly his testicles will fall off in another week. TMI?

Our Latest Addition to Our Menagerie... Aurora

Aurora

Nigerian Dwarf Doe

DOB 04/01/2013

Aurora's Dam

Chaven Z's "Lady Isable"

Pedigree
AGS, ADGA, NDGA Registered Nigerian Dwarf
DOB 10/15/2008
Sire - Chestnut Grove Lilly's Zorro
Dam - Oldesouth Cassandra Blue
Color - Dark Chocolate with white - w/blue eyes

Aurora's Sire

Critter Kidz "Spotted Cow"

DOB Unknown

AGS, ADGA, NDGA Registered Nigerian Dwarf

Our Newest Addition to Our Menagerie... Shiva

Shiva Grace

Nigerian Dwarf Doe

DOB 03/18/2013

Sire: JBF C Montague 

  Nigerian Dwarf buck (Blue Eyes)

  DOB 03/04/2012

Grand Sire: Kaapio Acres MH Chipotle
     GSS: Rosasharn SP Manuka Honey (ARMCH Rosasharn SW Sapporo *S'E' x ARMCH Rosasharn's Buckwheat Honey 3*D 'E' 3*M EEEE 91, 2007 AGS National Champion Sr. Doe)
     GSD: Kaapio Acres Quesadilla ( Kaapio Acre's Hot Habanero x Kaapio Acre's BT Rhodora)
Grand Dam: Kaapio Acres Lexus
     GDS: Little Tot's Estate Mazarati
     GDD: Kaapio Acre's BT Rhodora

DAM: JBF N Artemus

     Nigerian Dwarf Doe (Polled)

     Born February 28, 2011

Grand Sire:  Critter Croft (Acres) Neptune

     GSS: Kaapio Acres Hot Estate Bucky

     GSD: Critter Croft (Acres) Mandee's Gem

Grand Dam: JBF NL Munchkin

     GDS: Kiddreamin Noche Luna

     GDD: JBF MHG Narnia's Lucy

Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats: History in the Making

Like many breeds of domestic livestock, the history of the Nigerian Dwarf is incomplete. Through the years and stages of development, records were not always kept, or they were sketchy at best. Developing the history of the breed is much like putting together a jigsaw that is missing many of its pieces. To produce the present day Nigerian Dwarf, one has to use a combination of documented facts, speculation, deductive reasoning and a little imagination. What is known is that throughout tropical West Africa, there is a type of goat referred to as the West African Dwarf (WAD). These goats are used as a food source, providing both meat and milk for the local population. Due to economic hardships, keeping “pets” is not an option. It appears that today little thought is used in breeding and a survival-of-the-fittest phenomenon is taking place.

In the writings of Albert Schweitzer a local goat is often times referred to, credited with supplying the milk for the hospital Schweitzer worked at in Lambrene in the country now known as Gabon. The imported breeds, typically known as dairy breeds, weren’t able to withstand the tsetse fly, and therefore were not productive. The WAD goats continued to survive and thrive. Throughout books on Dr. Schweitzer, pictures of goats similar to those referred to as Nigerian Dwarves in the U.S., can be found.

The beginning of the breed in this country lies in zoos. Exactly how the WAD came to American soil is one of the missing pieces in the puzzle. One theory is that as big cats were shipped to zoos, goats were loaded onto the vessels as a food source for the cats while in transit. The goats that weren’t consumed went on to the zoos. The first miniature goats to appear in this country were part of zoo exhibits and research institutions.
 
As early as 1918, Joseph Crepin reported in the second edition of La Chévre that WAD goats had been imported to the United States. Additionally, there were a number of documented importations from the 1930s to the 1960s. As they grew, it became necessary to reduce the number of animals, and individuals had an opportunity to own these unique goats.
 
Originally, all small goats of WAD origin were indiscriminately referred to as pygmies. In the beginning, “pygmy” was used more to describe a size of goat rather than a specific breed, much like “Swiss” is often times used to refer to the various erect-eared breeds hailing from Europe. As time went on, breeders began to notice differences in type within what had become the Pygmy breed. There were two distinct types: the shorter legged, heavier bodied, round-boned animals more typical of what is known today as a Pygmy, and the more refined, angular animal that has become today’s Nigerian Dwarf.
 
As breeders began to communicate, they discovered there were others in the Unites States and Canada that had similar observances. Mrs. Bonnie Abrahamson of North Ogden, Utah, was one of the first to notice the distinctive difference while working in a zoo in California. Mrs. Abrahamson brought several black and white animals that she referred to as “Nigerian Dwarves” to an AGS Pygmy certification committee. Despite their more refined bone and dairy appearance, these animals were accepted into the AGS Pygmy herd book.
 
At about the same time, Mr. Heabert Woods of Alexandria, Indiana, had animals similar in type to Mrs. Abrahamson’s but brown in color, which were refused entry into the National Pygmy Goat Association (NPGA) herd books because of their color. These two breeders petitioned the International Dairy Goat Registry (IDGR) to open a herd book for Nigerian Dwarves. IDGR opened a separate herd book for the breed, complete with a standard emphasizing dairy characteristics, and on July 24, 1981, Mr. Robert Johnson’s Bullfrog Alley Johnny Jump-Up #2, a buck bred by Mrs. Abrahamson, became the first Nigerian Dwarf registered by any registry. By January 1987, there were 384 animals registered in the herd books of IDGR as Nigerian Dwarves, with 93 of those registered in the previous year alone. In part, largely due to the fact that IDGR does not sanction shows, the popularity of the registry has waned over the years.

The early Nigerian Dwarves were seen most often in three distinct color lines, all of similar type, even though many of the early breeders attempted to keep each color line separate from the others. A majority of these early animals were brown, black or gold, all with or without random white markings. Possibly because of the limited number of representatives of the breed, breeders did begin to mix the color lines fairly early on, although references to specific color lines could still be found as late as 1988. 

In 1984, the American Goat Society (AGS) opened a herd book for Nigerian Dwarves, and by September of the following year, 82 animals, representing breeders from eight states and Canada had been registered. The first AGS registered Nigerian Dwarf distinction goes to Wright’s Pansy, AGS #D-1f, owned by Francis Wright of Indiana.

Mr. Woods was instrumental in getting a separate herd book for the breed with AGS, and was made chairman of the Nigerian Dwarf Committee. Mr. Wright and Pat Freeman of Dutton, Ontario completed the original Nigerian Dwarf Committee for AGS. To form the foundation of the breed, applications were submitted to the committee, along with a clear photograph of the animal and a measurement of the animal at the withers. If the committee unanimously agreed that the animal, which had to be at least one year of age, met the breed standard, the animal was then eligible to be registered as a purebred Nigerian Dwarf. Animals that were accepted for registration using this process are oftentimes referred to as a “committee animal.” Some of the animals submitted, such as Mrs. Abrahamson’s, were previously registered as Pygmies. It also would include animals with unknown backgrounds that showed true Nigerian Dwarf characteristics, and as time went on, animals that were of registered ancestry but which did not have current paperwork. Many times, it was easier to submit the animal for certification than to retrace the paperwork for several generations. 


The original closing date for the herd book was set at December 31, 1987. A change in the standard that year, however, would allow animals that previously were ineligible and the date was extended to December 31, 1990. In 1990, with fewer than 400 Nigerian Dwarves registered, the AGS Board voted to extend the deadline until December 31, 1992, to allow for a sufficient genetic base of foundation stock. The certification process ended in 1992. All animals registered through his point, whether by ancestry or committee approval, carry the “f” suffix to their registration number to indicate that they are considered a foundation animal. Unfortunately, accurate records were not kept indicating how many animals were admitted via certification, but by the end of 1992, approximately 2000 Nigerian Dwarves had been registered with the American Goat Society.
 
There was still some concern that the breed needed a broader genetic base, and a progeny program was put into place until December 31, 1997. An unregistered animal would still be considered for registration if, when bred to several different AGS registered Nigerian Dwarves (three for does, four for bucks), the animal and all surviving offspring met breed standard and received unanimous approval of the Nigerian Dwarf Committee. Again, accurate records were not kept, but one committee member recalls very few of these coming through committee. In keeping with AGS’ philosophy of closed, purebred herd books, since January 1, 1998, the only way to be registered as a purebred Nigerian Dwarf is to be the offspring of two registered purebred Nigerian Dwarves.

All breeds begin somewhere, but where we are going is more important than where we started. Using the wide genetic base created though the open herd book, breeders are now molding the breed into a superior milk-producing animal that also happens to be small. While the Nigerian Dwarf and Pygmy share common ancestry, they have clearly become two distinct breeds through the efforts of breeders. The popularity of the breed has continued to grow, in part because of AGS sanctioned shows being held across the country.

The first show that offered a separate sanction for the breed was the 1985 AGS National Show held in Graham, Texas. Only two exhibitors of Nigerian Dwarves were present (Shaula Parker and Kathleen Claps), and the breed wasn’t official, but there has been no looking back since. Pine Cone Valley Black Satin, a doe that is listed as an original import, owned by Ms. Claps, had the distinction of being crowned the first AGS National Champion Nigerian Dwarf. While the popularity of shows skyrocketed after this, another AGS National Show would not be held until 1996. Through the hard work of the Nigerian Dwarf breeders, and AGS sanctioned National Show has been held every year since.
 
As the primary registry of the breed, AGS has registered more than 41,000 purebred Nigerian Dwarf goats to date (April 2008). AGS maintains a closed-herd book on which both the NDGA (Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association) and the ADGA (American Dairy Goat Association) have based their herd books. The Nigerian Dwarf which was until recently considered a rare breed has grown in popularity over the years. The number of animals registered with AGS each year, continues to increase.
 

Used by permission from The American Goat Society, For more information visit www.americangoatsociety.com

Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats

The Nigerian Dwarf is a miniature goat of West African origin. Nigerian Dwarf goats are enjoying a rise in popularity due to their small size and colorful markings. Their small stature means they do not require as much space as their larger dairy goat counterparts and their gentle and friendly personalities make them good companion pets. They are easy to handle; even small children can be at ease with these little goats. Nigerian Dwarfs are considered rare by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also approved the Nigerian Dwarf Goat as a livestock dairy goat, which makes them eligible for youth 4H and FFA projects.

The Nigerian Dwarf is a Miniature Dairy Goat

A healthy Nigerian Dwarf doe can produce a surprising amount of sweet milk for her small size – up to two quarts per day. In addition, Nigerian Dwarf milk is higher in butterfat (6-10% and higher in protein than milk from most dairy goat breeds. However, we here at Fable Haven not only raise our goats for milk but for the pleasure and companionship these little caprines bring to our lives.

Nigerian Dwarf Conformation

A Nigerian Dwarf goat’s conformation is similar to that of the larger dairy goat breeds. The parts of the body are in balanced proportion. The nose is straight, although there may be a small break or stop at the level of the eyes. The ears are upright. The coat is soft with short to medium hair. Any color or combination of colors is acceptable, although the silver agouti pattern and color is a moderate fault (pygmy goat-specific markings).

Ideal height of Nigerian Dwarf goats is 17″ to 19″ for does with does up to 21″ allowed in the breed standard. Ideal height for bucks is 19″ to 21″ with bucks up to 23″ allowed in the breed standard. Ideal weight is suggested to be about 75 lbs. Animals are disqualified from the show ring for being oversized for the breed standard and/or for other faults: having a curly coat, roman nose, pendulous ears or evidence of myatonia (a breed characteristic of fainting goats.) 

Nigerian Dwarf Temperament

Dwarfs goats are gentle, loveable and playful. Their calm, even temperament and engaging personalities make them suitable companions for all, including children, the disabled and the elderly. Even breeding bucks are handled easily. They make wonderful pets and great animal projects for young children in 4H or FFA. Breeders of other types of goats find their Dwarfs blend in with the rest of their herd and do not need special quarters; just adequate fending to contain them because of their small size. Many Nigerian Dwarf goats share pastures peacefully with other livestock such as cattle, horses, llamas and donkeys. In fact, they will often improve a pasture by removing brambles, undergrowth (including weeds) and ivy (even poison ivy) that other livestock won’t eat.

Accommodations

Goats should be kept in clean pens free of dampness, drafts and pests like flies and rodents. They also require adequate fencing due to their small size. Nigerian Dwarf goats should not be housed in airtight buildings; they need to have ventilation for optimum health. For one to just a few goats, many owners find that an oversized dog house or two does the job. Pens or houses should be kept clean with fresh hay or straw for bedding. Many owners find that providing a few “toys” for the goats provides them with hours of caprine entertainment. Tree stumps, rocks or large cable spools are great for “king of the mountain” games and jumping. Just be sure to keep them away from the fence to avoid giving herd escape artists means to roam your neighborhood!

Breeding Nigerian Dwarf Goats

Dwarf goats breed year round. Many owners breed their does three times in two years, giving the doe at least a 6-month break. Of course, this is a personal choice for each breeders. The gestation period for a doe is 145 to 153 days. For the most part, Nigerian Dwarfs are a hearty breed with few kidding problems. New babies average about 2 pounds at birth but grow quickly. Watch out for those little bucks! Bucklings can be fertile at as young as 7 weeks of age. Make sure you wean does and bucks separately to help you avoid unintentional breeding.

Does can be bred at 7-8 months of age if they have reached a mature size. Some breeders prefer to wait until they are at least 1 year or older. Dwarfs does can have several kids at a time, 3 and 4 being common with some quintuplet births occurring. Dwarfs are generally good mothers able to take care of their babies should you leave them to do the raising of the kids. They can also provide a surprising amount of milk for their size if you decide you want your own delicious goat milk or cheese.

Bucks are able to be used for service as young as 3 months of age and easily by the time they are 7 or 8 months old. Dwarf bucks are vigorous breeders but are gentle enough to be used for hand breeding (contained) or pasture breeding where one buck is available for several does as they come into estrus. Both methods are used successfully.

Feeding Dwarf Goats

Most breeders feed a 12% – 18% protein goat feed or dairy ration. It most not contain urea as this is toxic to goats. Many breeders give less grain if good pasture and browse are available. Hay or pasture should always be provided in abundant supply. Fresh water in clean containers should also be available at all times.

 

Health Care

Dwarf goats, like all other breeds, need some basic care for good health and long life. Hooves should be trimmed regularly, about every 4-8 weeks or more often if needed. A properly trimmed and shaped hoof should resemble those of a kid goat’s hoof.

If you are not running a Natural Farm, vaccinations for tetanus and types C&D centermost are the basis types given. Check with your local vet for other vaccinations recommended for your area. Some experienced breeders may immunize their own goats; new owners and breeders should take their goats to the local vet for vaccines.

Worming should be done several times a year. Your vet can suggest any special supplements (such as selenium), additional immunizations and a recommended wormer and worming schedule for your particular herd based on your area and known preventative health measures.

 

Nigerian Dwarf Registries and Shows

Dwarf goats are registered in 5 registries: four in the United States (NDGA, AGS, IDGR & ADGA) and one in Canada (CGS). Dwarf shows are growing in popularity and are becoming more readily available all over the country. Shows are fun, educational and a great way to meet other breeders and owners. They are a place to sell your goats or obtain superior stock for breeding. Shows or event information can be obtained through registries, local goat clubs and organizations, including NDGA.

 

 What’s the difference between a Nigerian Dwarf and a Pygmy goat?

Although they have similar origins, Nigerian Dwarfs and African Pygmies are separate and distinct breeds, with recognized differences. Pygmies are bred to be “cobby” and heavy boned. Dwarfs are bred to have the length of body and more elegant structure that’s similar to their larger dairy goat counterparts. Pygmies are also primarily “agouti” patterned, with black, silver and caramel being the most common colors.

Nigerian Dwarf Coloring

Color is one of the factors that makes breeding Dwarfs so popular. You can never be sure what color the babies will be until they are born; even then you can’t be sure because many times their color may change. Main color families are black, chocolate, and gold with virtually every color combination imaginable being produced. Dwarfs can be dalmatian-spotted, pinto-patterned, tri-colored or just classy shades of solid jet black, white, chocolate or gold. Buckskin patters are also popular, described by contrasting facial stripes, a “cape” around the shoulders with a coordinating dorsal stripe and leg markings. Brown eyes are the most common; however, dwarfs with china blue eyes are becoming increasingly popular and available.

How Much Do They Cost?

Average cost for registered breeding stock is between $200 and $500 per head, with champion pedigrees, milk production recorded animals and unusual coloring at premium prices. Pet quality stock often costs much less with wethers (neutered males) generally available for $50 to $100.

 

Reprinted with permission of the Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association (NDGA). The  NDGA is a not-for-profit registry, show sanctioning and breeder support organization that is dedicated to the development and promotion of the Nigerian Dwarf Goat. NDGA was formed in 1996 and is the only registry and show sanctioning organization dedicated exclusively to the Nigerian Dwarf breed. NDGA is funded through goat registrations and transfers, annual membership dues, and fundraising activities. They also publish a quarterly journal, called “Dwarf Digest”, in additional to an annual membership directory and calendar for members. All of these publications are included with membership.